KUALA LUMPUR: Search and rescue (SAR) teams are facing challenging conditions in the search for a man swept away by a sudden surge in the Klang River near the Saloma Link on Monday, as the water level has risen to nearly six metres following a downpour yesterday morning.
Dang Wangi district OCPD Asst Comm Sazalee Adam said the search for the 34-year-old victim will be expanded in stages along the river’s flow towards Shah Alam, Selangor.
“We will begin from the site of the incident and move as far as possible, but this depends on the current water level,” he told reporters at the scene yesterday.
Police have identified the missing man as a supervisor for the river improvement project in the area who wanted to move his vehicle when the mishap occurred.
“Video footage shows the victim managed to exit his vehicle when the surge occurred and attempted to save himself by clinging to the riverbank wall.
“The strong currents overwhelmed him and swept him away,” ACP Sazalee said, Bernama reported.
The Fire and Rescue Department’s Operations Centre said the SAR operation resumed yesterday after being stopped at 11pm on Monday. The search is now focused on the surface of the river, with drones.
The incident, which occurred at about 5.30pm, also involved 11 other individuals trapped under a bridge, all of whom were successfully rescued by the Fire and Rescue Department.
